Category Buyer II

Caterpillar Inc.; East Peoria (IL); On-site; USD 98,000 - 146,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision benefits

Paid time off

401(k) plans

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Career Development

Incentive bonus

Disability benefits

Life Insurance

Parental leave

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Caterpillar Inc. is seeking a procurement professional to develop and execute category strategies, manage supplier relationships, and analyze data to drive cost reductions and supplier performance.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance and continuous improvement in sourcing processes. This role requires onsite work five days a week in East Peoria, IL, with relocation available and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience is desired.
• Extensive experience analyzing, interpreting, and modeling data to support business decisions.
• Experience with supplier relationship management and strategic sourcing processes.
• Experience supporting contract management activities and supplier negotiations.
• Strong communication across functions and ability to build relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and execute category strategies and policies.
• Identify cost reduction, inventory optimization, and quality improvement opportunities.
• Serve as liaison between the organization and suppliers with clear communication.
• Monitor supplier performance on quality, delivery, and production needs.
• Build strong supplier relationships to support objectives and continuity.
• Analyze data to identify trends, risks, and sourcing opportunities.
• Participate in contract administration and ensure compliance with policy.
• Support purchasing and sourcing through market research and spend analysis.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive procurement improvements.

Skills

Data analytics

Supplier relationship management

Strategic sourcing

Negotiation

Contract administration

Communication & collaboration

Category management

Predictive analytics

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Procurement systems

Analytical tools

Job description

Career Area:

Procurement

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you’rejoining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don’tjust talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

What You Will Do:

• Develop, manage, and execute category strategies, including sourcing policies, supplier agreements, source catalogs, and special procurement programs.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, inventory optimization, and quality improvements while assessing business risks and proposals.
• Serve as a key liaison between the organization and suppliers, ensuring clear communication while balancing production requirements and supplier capabilities.
• Monitor and document supplier performance related to quality, delivery, responsiveness, and production requirements.
• Build and maintain strong supplier relationships to support business objectives and operational continuity.
• Analyze and interpret data to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and support strategic sourcing decisions.
• Participate in contract administration activities, ensuring compliance with procurement policies, regulations, and contractual requirements.
• Support purchasing and strategic sourcing activities through market research, spend analysis, and supplier evaluations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive continuous improvement within sourcing and procurement processes.

What You Have :

Education/Experience:

• Degree or equivalent experience desired.

Data Analytics:

• Extensive experience analyzing, interpreting, and modeling data to support business decisions, identify trends, evaluate performance, and assess risks and opportunities.

Supplier Relationship Management & Strategic Sourcing:

• Working knowledge of supplier relationship management principles, strategic sourcing processes, procurement activities, and supplier performance management.

Negotiation & Contract Administration:

• Experience supporting contract management activities and participating in supplier negotiations while ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures.

Communication & Collaboration:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across functions, build relationships, present information effectively, and adapt communication styles to diverse audiences. Ability to create a network within Indirect Procurement.

What Will Set You Apart :

• Experience developing and executing category management strategies.
• Background in procurement, sourcing, supply chain, purchasing, or supplier management environments.
• Experience using procurement and supply chain management systems and analytical tools.
• Demonstrated success identifying cost savings, inventory reduction opportunities, and process improvements.
• Experience managing supplier performance metrics and leading supplier development initiatives.
• Knowledge of QCLDM principles and their application within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Ability to leverage predictive analytics and data-driven insights to support sourcing and business decisions.
• Experience using AI in your daily work tasks.

Summary Pay Range:

$97,530.00 - $146,290.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location,job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.

Benefits:

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
• 401(k) savings plans*
• Health Savings Account (HSA)*
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
• Health Lifestyle Programs*
• Employee Assistance Program*
• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
• Career Development*
• Incentive bonus*
• Disability benefits
• Life Insurance
• Parental leave
• Adoption benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

September 17, 2026 - September 30, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.